Is the unlocked version any different from the carrier version when unlocked?

[JohnJSal]

Hi all. I'm considering upgrading to the S7, and I'm also wondering if I should go with the unlocked version rather than the T-Mobile version. What's the main differences besides not having T-Mobile software preloaded?

When you pay off a phone on T-Mobile, they unlock the phone anyway, so is there any difference between this type of unlock and buying the unlocked version?

Also, I use three T-Mobile apps: the main T-Mobile account app, Visual Voicemail, and Mobile Hotspot (for making the phone a WiFi hotspot). The first two I think I can download from the Play Store, but how would I get the Mobile Hotspot app if I buy the unlocked version?

Thanks!

 

[chanchan05]

Well, even if you unlock the T Mobile phone, updates are still subject to T Mobile's whims. If they decide to force an update on you, or to not give you the OS update to Android O next year, even ig Samsung gave it to all other S7s, you won't get it.

 

[JohnJSal]

Well, even if you unlock the T Mobile phone, updates are still subject to T Mobile's whims. If they decide to force an update on you, or to not give you the OS update to Android O next year, even ig Samsung gave it to all other S7s, you won't get it.

But isn't that true of Samsung as well? Is Samsung more likely to update the OS sooner than T-Mobile?

 

[mikedt]

T-Mobile gets their updates from Samsung, so non-carrier devices will get any updates first, simply because there's less steps and process involved.

HTC did an excellent diagram showing the Anatomy of an Android Update.
http://www.htc.com/us/go/htc-software-updates-process/
It's very much the same for Samsung, and most other manufacturers as well.

 

[chanchan05]

But isn't that true of Samsung as well? Is Samsung more likely to update the OS sooner than T-Mobile?

TMobile cannot update without Samsung making the update. They receive the Samsung update file and tweak it, before they can send out updates. This is the reason why unlocked phones almost always gets the update faster than carrier units. Sometimes, carrier units lag half a year behind the manufacturer.

 

[Solangeburgas]

Also, I use three T-Mobile apps: the main T-Mobile account app, Visual Voicemail, and Mobile Hotspot (for making the phone a WiFi hotspot). The first two I think I can download from the Play Store, but how would I get the Mobile Hotspot app if I buy the unlocked version?

Thanks!

I have unlocked version and no Mobile Hotspot app. But I can use phone as a hotspot from the meniu. Sharing my GSM net or my WIFI connection.

 

[chanchan05]

Phones outside the US normally have the wifi hotspot function built into the phone because we aren't charged extra for using it. That's one of the changes US (and some European carriers) do to their phones. WiFi hotspot capability is actually built right into the phone. Carriers just tweak the OS to hide it, and charge you to be able to use it.

 

[JohnJSal]

Phones outside the US normally have the wifi hotspot function built into the phone because we aren't charged extra for using it. That's one of the changes US (and some European carriers) do to their phones. WiFi hotspot capability is actually built right into the phone. Carriers just tweak the OS to hide it, and charge you to be able to use it.

In my case my plan includes the Hotspot and I have the app for it. It's not hidden and I'd like to keep it like that. Is it not possible to have this app on an unlocked phone?

Also, there is a US version of the unlocked phone, right? I wouldn't get the international version.

 

[chanchan05]

In my case my plan includes the Hotspot and I have the app for it. It's not hidden and I'd like to keep it like that. Is it not possible to have this app on an unlocked phone?

Also, there is a US version of the unlocked phone, right? I wouldn't get the international version.

That's the point. An unlocked phone wouldn't need the app because the option would be in the settings. How it will affect your ability tk tether, I wouldn't know.